Algeria: Tassili n’Ajjer NP – Rock Art
Tassili n’Ajjer is famous for its extensive collection of prehistoric rock art. There are over 15,000 petroglyphs and paintings depicting a range animals, humans, and scenes of daily life from as far back as 12,000 BC. Seemingly every rock formation that has a niche or a cave or an arch is covered with red-color prehistoric art and dancing figures. The petroglyphs in Tassili n’Ajjer date back to different periods, ranging from around 12,000 years ago to more recent centuries. The majority were created between 6,000 BC and 1,000 AD. The art reflects different climatic conditions and human activities in the Sahara – from savanna and abundant cattle to desert and camels. Many carvings and painting are red in color, using a combination of natural dyes and animal blood. Tassili n’Ajjer was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 in recognition of its outstanding natural and cultural value.
